Automatic case slitting and flap folding apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for conveying in sequential order cases having hinged flaps in an open condition to a tab slitting unit for releasing said flaps, and then laterally conveying the cases to a flap folding unit for folding the flaps upwardly and inwardly into closed relationship.

0 United States Patent 1 1 [111 3,733,772

Dichiara May 22, 1973 54] AUTOMATIC CASE SLITTING AND 3,533,214 10/1970 Standley ..53 374 x PPARAT 3,373,543 3/1968 Nigrelli et a1. FLAP FOLDING A Us 3,559,368 2/1971 Standley et al. ..53/381 X [76] Inventor: Anthony J. Dichiara, 133-03 128th St, $011111 Ozone Park, Q Primary Examiner-Travis S. McGehee Attorney-E. J. Berry and L. Rosen 2 El d: 21 1 71 [2 1 May 9 57 ABSTRACT [21] 'Appl'No" 145792 Apparatus for conveying in sequential order cases having hinged flaps in an open condition to a tab [5 2] US. Cl ..53/167, 53/374, 53/381 R slitting unit for releasing said flaps, and then laterally [51] Int. Cl. ..B65b 61/06 conveying the cases to a flap folding unit for folding [58] Field of Search ..53/ 167, 374, 381 R the flaps upwardly and inwardly into closed relationship. 56 R 1 Ct d 1 e erences l e 7 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,387,522 6/1968 Standley ..53/381 R 1- 1-1 A T 20 7 6? 1:1- 5 h-fl'l -i 2- \I 4 I I I,

PATENTELHKYZZIUYS SHEET 1 OF 2 INVENTOR ANTHONY J 0| CHIARA BY g y A'TTO RNEY.

AUTOMATIC CASE SLITTING AND FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS This invention relates to a case slitter and flap folder and more particularly, to a novel combination case slitter and flap folding apparatus adapted for high-speed automatic operation.

In the packaging industry, articles such as cans or bottles and the like are frequently shipped in containers or cases. Generally, the cases consist of rectangularly shaped cartons which have closing flaps integrally formed with the upper edges of the cartons or cases, and which are folded inwardly across the top of the cases to provide a closure surface. The flaps, prior to the cases being filled with product, are usually bent outwardly and downwardly along the outer end surfaces of the cases and are retained in that position by tabs which are connected thereto. After the cases have been filled with their intended contents, the tabs are cut or slit, thereby releasing the restraint on the helddown flaps so as to permit them to be folded upwardly and inwardly into case-closing positions.

Since it is of commercial and economic importance that the product-filled cases be closed rapidly and efficiently, the present invention contemplates the provision of a high-speed, automatically operated apparatus which, in sequential order, will slit the flap-retaining tabs on a case conveyed through the apparatus, and then will fold the flaps on the case upwardly and inwardly into a closed relationship. The closed case is then conveyed from the apparatus while the latter receives a succeeding case for the tab-slitting and flapfolding operation.

A feature of the apparatus lies in the provision of a powered conveying system which will move cases laterally or through 90 angular displacements through the use of properly indexed movement between transversely moving conveyor sections, without requiring elbow turns.

In essence, the apparatus according to the present invention provides for cooperative, spatially adjustable, endless conveyor belts adapted to convey an open case toward a first station where the open flap-retaining tabs on the case are slit by suitable knife-edged members. The case is then conveyed toward a laterally displaced second station in the apparatus wherein camming guide surfaces will fold the flaps upwardly and inwardly toward each other so as to close the case. Conveying means then transport the closed case from the apparatus while concurrently, in response to actuated limit switches, another open case is conveyed toward the first station for the tab-slitting operation.

A further feature of the apparatus comprises the provision of a plurality of case-contact actuatable limit switches which will assure the controlled intermittent feeding sequence of cases through the tab-slitting and flap-folding stations of the apparatus.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide for a combination tab-slitting and flap-folding apparatus for product containing cases.

Another object of the present invention provides for a high-speed apparatus adapted to automatically and sequentially slit the tabs and fold the flaps on cases being conveyed through the apparatus.

Yet another object of the present invention provides for a high-speed, automatic apparatus for slitting the tabs and sequentially folding the flaps on product-filled cases conveyed therethrough in a controlled, intermittent sequence.

Still another object of the present invention provides for an apparatus of the type described which includes indexed, intermittently operated conveyors adapted to move cases being conveyed through the apparatus through 90 lateral turns.

These and other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a case tab-slitting and flap-folding apparatus according to the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, an automatic case slitter and flap folding apparatus 10 includes a stationary frame 12 consisting of an array of structural uprights and crossbeam members.

The apparatus 10 consists essentially of two separate but interrelated operative portions or work stations. A first work station of the apparatus 10 forms the case slitting unit 14, while a second work station provides the components for the flap folding portion 16.

The case slitting unit 14 of the apparatus includes a pair of endless conveyor belts 18 and 20 extending along the length or upper horizontal beams 22 of the apparatus. The adjacent runs 18a and 20a of the conveyor belts 18, 20 are in a predetermined spaced relationship adapted to accommodate the height of cases A being conveyed therebetween in the direction of arrow B. The frictional force exerted on the cases by the belts is sufficient to convey the latter between the belts 18, 20. Suitable drive motor means 24 are connected tothe belts 18, 20 in order to impart the required movements thereto for feeding the cases through the apparatus slitting unit 14.

In order to accurately position the case A between conveyor belts 18, 20, guide rails 26 and 28 are positioned on each side of the belts. The guide rails extend along substantially the entire length of the slittcr unit 14. A pair of inclined elongated cutting knives 30 and 32 are positioned on either side of belts 18, 20 and extend parallel to the direction of conveyance of the cases.

Below the cutting knives 30, 32 and pointing upwardly toward the path of movement of cases A over belt 18, are air jet nozzles 34, one on each side of the case, which are adapted to project a stream of pressurized air toward the case A.

At the downstream or exit end of the belts 18, 20 the apparatus frame extends laterally at a angle to form the flap folding unit 16. Above a generally smooth surface 36, which is at the same level as the upper run 18a of belt 18, a plurality of transversely spaced pusher bars 38 are moved by means of suitable pulleys (not shown), in the direction of arrow C. On either side and above the edge of surface 36 is a curved camming guide rail 40, which extends to the upper edge of the cases being conveyed through the apparatus 10. One edge of surface 36 includes a contact-actuated limit switch 42 which extends in the direction of conveyance of the cases toward the flap folding unit or portion 16. A drive motor 44 may be connected to the pulleys for moving pusher-bars 38 and slitter unit 14.

in operation, an open case A having hinged flaps folded down over its forward and rear end walls and restrained by side tabs is conveyed into the gap defined between belt runs 18a and 20a. The distance between the belts may be readily adjusted by a manually or automatically operable power belt platform 46 which supports belt 20 and which may be lowered or raised as required by the particular dimensions of the cases being processed.

As the case is conveyed past the cutting knives 30, 32, the latter will slit the tabs to thereby release the downwardly extending flaps. Concurrently, in order to enhance the cutting of the tabs, a stream of air is directed at the lower portion of the case from nozzle 34 in response to actuation of a valve (not shown).

The case A is then conveyed by belts 18, 20 until it contacts limit switch 42 with its forward edge. At that point, through suitable electrical circuitry, the limit switch stops the motion of belts 18, 20 and activates pusher bars 38 to convey the case laterally at a 90 angular displacement along surface 36 in the direction of arrow C. The guide rails 40 extend below the flaps of the case, and as the latter is conveyed along surface 36, the camrning effect of the rails will fold the flap up wardly and inwardly over an arc of 270 about their hinged connections with the upper edges of the case.

After the case has been conveyed by the pusher bar 38 for a predetermined length toward the flap folding unit 16, as for example, one case width, it will disengage limit switch 42. This will stop the pusher bars 38 and re-initiate motion to belts 18, 20 so as to permit a succeeding case A to be conveyed toward the tab slitting unit 14. As a result, a continuously intermittent feed cycle for the cases is provided by the apparatus.

A suitable conveyor 48 may be connected to the exit end of surface 36 so as to receive closed cases in a continuous manner. If desired, laterally extending, i.e., 90 angular displacement, conveyors may be connected to the apparatus and their operation suitably indexed to permit conveying changes in direction without the need for cornering conveyors having expensive powered turns.

If desired, the apparatus may include suitable marking devices for the cases which are indexed in conformance with the operation of the apparatus.

The foregoing disclosure relates to only preferred embodiments of the invention, and is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the example of the invention herein chosen for the purposes of disclosure, which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for closing the flaps on a packaging case having said flaps hingedly connected to the upper edges thereof and maintained in an initially open down wardly extending position through tabs, the combination comprising:

a. first means for conveying said case through a first station in said apparatus, means for slitting said tabs so as to disengage said flaps and release them for pivotal motion about their hinges, said first means comprising a pair of horizontally disposed and vertically spaced endless conveyors, said case being moved through said first station by frictional engagement between the adjacent runs of said endless conveyors and said slitting means including two elongate knife-edged cutting members positioned one on each of opposite sides of said endless conveyors so as to simultaneously slit said tabs on each side of the case being conveyed therebetween;

b. means for imparting lateral movement to said case toward and through a second station in said apparatus subsequent to said slitting operation, means along said second station for camrning said flaps about their hinged connections with said case into an upwardly and inwardly folded position;

0. further means for conveying said closed case from said second station in said apparatus, said further means comprising an endless conveyor which travels at a 90 angular displacement with respect to the direction of movement of said pair of conveyors which move each case to said second station; and

d. means comprising a limit switch actuated in response to contact by a case conveyed from said first station for initiating movement of said endless conveyor so as to convey said case laterally toward and through said second station while concurrently stopping movement of said first conveying means.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising means at said first station for directing a stream of air toward said case during the slitting of said tabs so as to bias the flaps outwardly of the case to thereby enhance the slitting of said tabs.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for imparting lateral movement to said case toward said second station comprises at least one pusher bar adapted to contact said case along a side remote from said flaps, said flap camrning means comprising elongate curved guiding membersextending along the direction of movement of said case on either side thereof, said guiding members engaging the lower surfaces of said flaps and camrning the latter upwardly and inwardly about their hinged connections to said case into closed position during conveyance of said case 7 through said second station.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said guiding members rotate each of said flaps about their hinged connections with said case through an angle of approximately 270.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein deactuation of said means for imparting lateral movement to said case stops movement of said pusher bar while concurrently initiating movement of said first conveying means so as to enable a successive case to be conveyed toward the first station in said apparatus.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for directing a stream of air toward said case comprises a two-way valve actuated in response to movement of said case through said first station.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, comprising means for varying and adjusting the relative distance between the adjacent runs of said parallel conveyors, and means for adjusting the height of said flap camrning means so as to adapt said apparatus to operation with cases of varying dimensions. 

1. In an apparatus for closing the flaps on a packaging case having said flaps hingedly connected to the upper edges thereof and maintained in an initially open downwardly extending position through tabs, the combination comprising: a. first means for conveying said case through a first station in said apparatus, means for slitting said tabs so as to disengage said flaps and release them for pivotal motion about their hinges, said first means comprising a pair of horizontally disposed and vertically spaced endless conveyors, said case being moved through said first station by frictional engagement between the adjacent runs of said endless conveyors and said slitting means including two elongate knife-edged cutting members positioned one on each of opposite sides of said endless conveyors so as to simultaneously slit said tabs on each side of the case being conveyed therebetween; b. means for imparting lateral movement to said case toward and through a second station in said apparatus subsequent to said slitting operation, means along said second station for camming said flaps about their hinged connections with said case into an upwardly and inwardly folded position; c. further means for conveying said closed case from said second station in said apparatus, said further means comprising an endless conveyor which travels at a 90* angular displacement with respect to the direction of movement of said pair of conveyors which move each case to said second station; and d. means comprising a limit switch actuated in response to contact by a case conveyed from said first station for initiating movement of said endless conveyor so as to convey said case laterally toward and through said second station while concurrently stopping movement of said fiRst conveying means.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising means at said first station for directing a stream of air toward said case during the slitting of said tabs so as to bias the flaps outwardly of the case to thereby enhance the slitting of said tabs.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for imparting lateral movement to said case toward said second station comprises at least one pusher bar adapted to contact said case along a side remote from said flaps, said flap camming means comprising elongate curved guiding members extending along the direction of movement of said case on either side thereof, said guiding members engaging the lower surfaces of said flaps and camming the latter upwardly and inwardly about their hinged connections to said case into closed position during conveyance of said case through said second station.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said guiding members rotate each of said flaps about their hinged connections with said case through an angle of approximately 270* .
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein deactuation of said means for imparting lateral movement to said case stops movement of said pusher bar while concurrently initiating movement of said first conveying means so as to enable a successive case to be conveyed toward the first station in said apparatus.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for directing a stream of air toward said case comprises a two-way valve actuated in response to movement of said case through said first station.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, comprising means for varying and adjusting the relative distance between the adjacent runs of said parallel conveyors, and means for adjusting the height of said flap camming means so as to adapt said apparatus to operation with cases of varying dimensions. 